What is a Healthy Weight?

There are many definitions of healthy weight. The National Institutes of Health define healthy weight by BMI, which stands for body mass index. A healthy weight is considered to be one that is between 19 and 25. If the BMI is 25 - 29, an adult is considered overweight. If the BMI is 30 or greater, the person is considered to be obese.

You can determine your BMI from the following table. Find your height in inches by looking in column 1. Then go across until you find your approximate weight. Then read up the chart to find your BMI in the first row.

People who carry most of their excess weight around their waist or on their upper body will be at higher risk of developing many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some kinds of cancer. Weight loss will be especially beneficial for these people. If your waist circumference is greater than 40" for men or 35" for women, your health will be improved by losing weight.